Celia (A Sinclair Society Novella)

Chapter Two

After being gone for nearly a month without a single letter or message, my husband had returned without warning? "Is he aware that there are guests?" I asked, keeping my voice low.

"Yes, my lady. He has been informed. He's requested that trays be brought to the library for himself and his guests."

Guests? My temper rose. He'd brought guests with him too? What could he be thinking? "I see." What else could I say?

"Mrs. Horner has already begun making the sleeping arrangements for the gentlemen."

With that said, Williams straightened up. I nodded my thanks, hardly able to think. Not only had my husband returned unannounced, he'd brought people with him. Why would he do that to me?

"Is there a problem?" the dowager demanded.

Of course, she had seen Williams speaking to me and she had to know what was going on. "No, ma'am," I responded, forcing a smile. "Nothing for you to be worried about."

It wasn't exactly a lie, was it? Did that make it any better? Is this what knowing a secret did to someone, lying by omission? I kept the smile fixed on my face when I saw the dowager's frown. She didn't believe me.

Well, that was her problem. Thankfully, the meal was almost over. Then, I would simply have to get through the rest of the evening with my guests, make sure they were entertained. And never show that my emotions were a terrible tangle.

My mother-in-law was as sharp-eyed as an eagle when it came to watching for any crack, any hesitation that she could use to hurt me.

It was a relief to stand up and leave the men to their port. I hoped that tea in the drawing room would calm my nerves. What was I going to do next?

After waiting so long for my husband to come home, I was suddenly unsure whether I wanted to confront him or treat him as he had treated me. What would I say to him? Woud he like it if I didn't give him a reason for my actions? He'd never told me the real reason he was away so much.

But, no. While listening to Miss Reynolds play, I realized I didn't want to retaliate against my husband. Yes, I might be angry with him for keeping secrets. I might be concerned he was involved with something untoward, yet it did not mean I should be cruel.

While I had my secrets, I would tread lightly. After all, one of my secrets was shared with another person, and it was more her secret than mine. I would never want to give her away just to satisfy some desire to make my husband regret how he had treated me.

How awful of a person did it make me that the thought had even crossed my mind that I might want to hurt my husband?

"You look pale, Celia," the mother-in-law said sharply. "What's wrong?"

Startled, I swung my gaze to her. She was staring at me with an intensity that put me on my guard. "There is nothing wrong," I told her. "The candlelight must be making you see things."

Her eyes narrowed and I immediately regretted my words. "I assure you that no such thing has happened," she said sharply. "My eyes are as good as they ever were. You do not look well."

"Well it has been a long day, has it not?" Mrs. Williamson spoke up. "If you wish to retire early, we will all understand, Lady Leith. Do not overexert yourself on our account! I know how anxious one can be with a houseful of guests!"

"Anxious?" my mother-in-law repeated with a scoff. "I hardly think so. A well prepared lady is never anxious."

Did she not realize that she was insulting every other woman in the room?

"In that case, I am never prepared," Lady Jonson said with a laugh. "I am always nervous when it comes to dinners and parties. I should count myself fortunate that I have not encountered any serious misfortune or disaster."